Mayor Tim Baldermann announced Monday at the Village Board meeting that New Lenox is ranked No. 2 in Will County and rose from the No. 13 spot to No. 8 for the second quarter. 

A Chicago Metrostudy released figures for the region show that confidence is growing in the housing industry. Only the City of Naperville, the portion that is located within the boundaries of Will County, was ahead by 20 housing starts, said Baldermann.

Between June 2011 and June 2012 a total of 85 houses were started in the village. Since January, 92 homes were constructed or at least started. And there is still time in the building season to break ground, she added. 

The majority of the homes were built by the New Lenox-based Hartz Construction Co. The bulk of the new homes were constructed in Hartz projects in the Sanctuary Point subdivision on Marley Road, north of Route 30, and in the Heather Glen subdivision off of Laraway Road at Schoolhouse Road. A handful of homes went in at the Water Chase subdivision on the south side of Laraway Road just east of Cedar Road, according to Robin Ellis, village development director.

The growth in housing starts wasn't merely happenstance, added Baldermann. It came from active outreach to builders and a willingness to make New Lenox an attractive community in which to build.

Ellis explained that the village stirred housing growth by slicing impact fees in half this year. A typical four-bedroom newly built home would come with impact fees for various taxing bodies, including school, library district and park districts would total about $16,000. This year, those fees were reduced to $8,000.

Calls up for New Lenox Fire Protection District

While updating the village board on New Lenox Fire Protection District activities, Chief Jon Mead said he anticipates the number of calls the department handles this year to increase more than 500. Last year, the NLFPD responded to 2,975 calls. By the end of December, the number of calls is likely to be around 3,500. 

Mead also took a moment to thank the village for allowing the fire department to raise some funds, $7,500, during the concert series over the summer. The money is slated for the purchase of equipment.

The chief reminded trustees that Fire Protection Week is coming up. Beginning at noon on Saturday, at the Station One, 261 E. Maple Street. The afternoon event, which lasts till 4 p.m., is featuring fire truck rides and more.

Class B Liquor License Awarded

The Village Board authorized a Class B liquor license for the incoming Rt. 30 Wine & Spirits liquor store in the Ace Hardware strip mall on Route 30 just west at Vine Street. 

The store, which is expected to open in the near future, is replacing the former Consumers Liquors, said the mayor.